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When It Comes to Sports Advertising, Are Fans More Likely to See or Hear Your Ad?

By Audacy Insights Team

For die-hard fans, sports aren’t just a pastime — they’re a way of life. The game may last three hours, but it’s the other 21 hours a day that fans spend debating plays, checking stats, and talking smack with friends that really define fandom.

And that’s where the real opportunity lies for brands, especially on sports radio. Sports radio is the heartbeat of fandom. It connects the most passionate fans to their teams and turns casual listeners into loyal brand advocates.

Fandom Runs Deep — and Sports Radio Fuels It

Across the country, 84% of Americans identify as sports fans, but the most avid and engaged are sports radio listeners. These are the superfans — the ones who live, breathe, and dream about their teams.

At Audacy, we fuel that passion every day through 24/7 sports talk, insider analysis, and play-by-play coverage in the biggest sports markets across the country. From WFAN in New York to 670 The Score in Chicago, our hosts are the trusted voices of the game — and their connection with listeners runs deep.

Fans Are More Likely to Hear Your Ad Than See It on TV

Here’s a stat worth replaying: sports fans are 4X more likely to hear a brand’s message on sports radio than see it on TV.

Think about it — fans tune in on their morning commute, during lunch, while walking the dog, or grilling on game day. Sports radio fits seamlessly into their lives, giving advertisers countless moments to connect.

And when the ads come on? They’re paying attention. While 80% of fans say they avoid TV ads, only 20% skip ads on radio. That’s attention you can count on. It means your brand’s message is not just heard — it’s remembered.

Audacy Makes Champions of Brands

Advertising on Audacy Sports doesn’t just connect brands to fans — it makes them part of the team. When brands align with trusted hosts and local coverage, the payoff is huge.

In fact, 61% of weekly listeners view companies more positively when they partner with Audacy sports hosts. That halo effect drives meaningful brand lift across awareness, consideration, and purchase intent.

We see it every day: from insurance companies that become household names in their markets, to auto dealers who sell out after a big on-air endorsement. Sports radio moves the needle.

The Playbook for Advertisers

If your goal is to reach sports fans, you can’t skip local sports radio. The most successful advertisers are those who:

  1. Show up where fandom lives – Sports radio is where the most passionate fans are listening every day.
  2. Combine sports talk with play-by-play – Capture fans during and after the game for full-funnel impact.
  3. Partner with trusted hosts and influencers – Let local voices carry your brand message authentically.
  4. Invest in media channels that convert – Sports radio listeners don’t just notice ads; they act on them.

The Final Score

When the final whistle blows, the game may be over — but for die-hard sports fans, the excitement never stops. So for brands, the takeaway is clear: sports radio delivers. It connects with the most engaged fans, builds lasting trust, and drives measurable results.

At Audacy, we see it every day. From national brands to local businesses, advertisers that invest in sports audio are scoring big — across categories like auto, insurance, quick-service restaurants, and retail. Because when fans are this passionate, they don’t just listen — they believe.

So, if your brand wants to reach the most loyal, attentive, and emotionally invested audience in media, now’s the time to turn up the volume. With Audacy Sports, your next campaign won’t just be heard — it’ll be part of the game.

Want to talk more about reaching your target audience?

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SOURCES

Power of Sports Fandom Study, Audacy/Vision Insights, August 2024

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